For Emily Kim, 15, the idea of competing at the World Junior Taekwondo championships is a big motivator. The daughter of S.C. Kim, who operates a Metrotown taekwondo academy, Kim wrote of her desire to compete in November and how the sport has affected her:
"I would have never imagined being on the path I am today. When I first started doing taekwondo at SC Kim's, I was five years old and it was only for a recreational purpose... I'm currently in Grade 10 (and) I usually train five times a week with my teammates who are no different than family...
“My vision is to inspire. It may sound cheesy, but I really believe that many people underestimate the art and culture that exists in taekwondo. People often have the misunderstanding that taekwondo is all about fighting, but in reality that’s only the outside view of the sport. I want more people to understand what taekwondo really is about.
"Further on, it would be an honour to represent Canada in this year’s World Junior championships hosted in the city of Burnaby. It will require a lot of time and dedication, but I am willing to take on the challenge and make the best out of it.”
